News in Brief 20 September 2017 (PM)

Migrants at a detention centre in the city of Zawiya, Libya. Photo: Mathieu Galtier/IRIN

World must "seize the moment" to end protracted crisis in Libya: Guterres

The international community needs to "seize the moment" and work towards a lasting political solution to the protracted crisis that has gripped Libya for the past six years.

UN chief António Guterres made the plea on Wednesday at the start of a high-level meeting at UN Headquarters which he said could prove to be of "historic significance" in finally bringing warring factions together across the oil-rich country.

He said it was crucial to fashion a Libyan-led solution, and called on all countries to show an unequivocal commitment to the Libyan people, "under the UN umbrella."

Mr Guterres promised to increase the UN presence in the country as soon as possible, and execute a plan of action on the basis of trust and leadership among all parties with a stake in Libya's future.

"The Libyan people have suffered too much. The Libyan people deserve peace and to live in democracy and prosperity…To solve the Libyan crisis must be a priority not only for the neighbours, not only for the African and European continents, but I would say for the whole world. It is my deep belief that circumstances are now created in a way that allow for a solution to be possible. I don't think we can miss this opportunity."

Suicide attacks in Lake Chad Basin condemned by UN chief

Suicide attacks in north-east Nigeria on Monday and neighbouring Cameroon on Sunday, have been condemned by the UN Secretary-General.

At least 20 people were killed during the two assaults, which media reports suggest bore the hallmark of Boko Haram militants.

Nigeria's Lake Chad region has been in the grip of Boko Haram violence for years, leading to a worsening humanitarian crisis that has left over two million people displaced, hungry, and seeking refuge.

In a statement condemning the latest attacks, UN chief António Guterres expressed his condolences to the people and Governments of Nigeria and Cameroon.

He wished the injured a speedy recovery and hoped that justice would be swiftly served.

Mr Guterres reiterated the UN's solidarity and support for Lake Chad Basin countries in their fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

UNESCO chief condemns killing of Somali journalist

The death of a Somali broadcast journalist, Abdullahi Osman Moallim, has been denounced by the head of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Mr Moallim worked for the Somali broadcaster Jubbaland TV and he was killed during a suicide bombing in the town of Beledweyne, close to the Ethiopian border, on 13 September.

The attack happened outside a restaurant and at least six people were killed and 10 were injured, including two other journalists, according to news reports.

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova condemned the killing, adding that "journalists the world over are being attacked based on their mission to keep the public informed."

She called on Somali authorities to investigate the attack and extended her condolences to all the victims and their families.